7 February

It's Charles Dickens' birthday

So we are drinking a...

Dickens' Dry Martini

Charles John Huffman Dickens was born on this very day back in 1812. Despite describing himself as a "very small and not-over-particularly-taken-care-of boy," he went on to write 15 novels and became one of Britain’s best authors.

To celebrate this famous Londoner, we're recommending a couple of London drinking dens. Why not try out The George Inn off Borough High Street, which is mentioned in Little Dorrit, or another classic Dickensian watering hole, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, 145 Fleet Street, from A Tale of Two Cities. Sadly, neither establishment are likely to be able to make you a decent Martini. For any bartender, the question "Olive or twist?" is pretty timeless. Today your answer should be "Neither thank you. I'll have a Dicken's Dry Martini please."

In The Pickwick Papers, Dickens mentions a Whisky Toddy. Generally a Christmassy drink, but who are we kidding - it's only the start of February, so still perfect toddy weather (- well it is here in London anyway). Enjoy one tonight, and why not sip it while reading Gin-Shops from Sketches by Boz a short, yet brilliant piece of drink-related, Dickensian writing.